Monisha Wamankar

“RED – The colour of revolution” In a country like India where inter-caste marraiges itself our seen as such blunders, Queerness definetely has no rooms! Even a random man when goes to take a house on rent series of questioned are asked regarding his Job profile, religion, family etc. Then imagine how difficult it would have been for someone asing it for children of sex workers, herself being a lesbian. But indeed RED has the longest wavelength, not only she has made it but with such impact that she was nominated for the prestigious “Global teacher awards 2016”. Robin Chaurasiya, who was expelled from US army for being Lesbian started a non-profit orgnisation - ‘Kranti’, for the betterment of kids of sex workers of red light areas who have been facing domestic violence. Robin was herself a domestic violence’s victim and owing to her mother’s illness ( who was suffering from schizophrenia) she took psychology which indeed marked the foundation of her understanding of the children’s mental state for its healthy development which according to Robin is primary con cern, followed byeducation and skill development. She was very zealous to help her family and and the same time sincere to persue education as she applied for US air force scholorship which covered her four years of education fees in return of which she would be rendering Us Army four years of duty. She asserted her boldness at a very initial stage when she refused to hide any truth and courageously declared that she was a lesbian after whic she became the first Indian-american to ever be kicked out under- “Don’t ask, don’t tell” principle. As she grew her interest started growing more and more in stuff which was engaged with social work. The seeds of Kranti were laid when during her voultering she saw the condition where there were some 50-60 girl, who were allowed to stay six months or a year and then either sent back home pr married. They were taught very subordinate roles like silai, papad making etc. Robin realised that the true potential of these girls was being underestimated and thus laid the foundation of Kranti. There are indeed many hurdeles which come in the path in a country like India where many people have their own traditional orthdox notions regarding norms and culture and seldom appreciate or welcome people who take a unique venture or take a differnt path. Right from taking house on rent to being exposed to dicrimination of all sort in schools life would have been miserable but Robin knows the right way to tackle it. Workshops are conducted for the girls so that a strong and healthy mentality can be built from “ keep shut, don’t tell she is your mother” they are taught “ she is your mother and respect her since whatever she is doing is for you”. The gaze that peple give after telling them that “I do’t have a father” itself reflect that even after so many years of revolution and efforts to bring equality amongst genders, Our society is still victim of patriarchy. The NGO has days designated for various events and activities, Then may it be penning down any random stuff, to listening to maningful songs and filling up the blanks in paper to visiting NGO’s, giving TEDx talks, scintific experiments etc. Upto now eleven million audience have been reached by the girls through TEDx talks. The confidence and boldness with which the girls believe are evidence of how powerful and impactful Robin’s initiative is. One of the girls, named Shweta, has already been successful in achieving scholorship in Bard College in New York and towards a successful future. Robin’s style of speaking reflects as much of her confidence as her intrensic modesty. The beauty of her heart is seen by the way she engages with the girls and the way they bestow so much of love on her. There are many who are broken in the course of time and curse their fates for their weakness or an unwant situation but less who take it in a optimistic spirit and not only overcome it but make it their strength and even take others in their ship and together strive for reaching their target against all odds. Hats off to them!! It’s so common to see people fell in dissapointment and depression for trivial things nowadays, from ven trivial matters, to blame God and society, for evry ittle hrdle they face and here is Robin and her entire gang which are truely the emodiment of mental and physical strength. People may consider then a black image but they are indeed assets to our country. It’s high time that we change our narrow outlook and widn are horizons to accept and accomodate things which are not diffrent but unique in themselves.